Park Ridge Zoning Officials Urge More Room To Build In Subdivision

Homeowners in the Michaeljohn Terrace subdivision of Park Ridge would have more room for building additions under a zoning change recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The City Council is expected to vote in February on Monday's recommendation.

If approved, the amendment would reduce the back-yard setback for interior lots to 25 feet from 30 feet by creating a special zoning district in the subdivision. The proposed change would give Michaeljohn homeowners an extra 5 feet to add to the rear of their homes.

Corner lots would not be affected.

Michaeljohn Terrace is bounded roughly by Lahon and Oakton Streets and Oriole and Prospect Avenues.

"This is a unique area," said Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Philip Mitchell. "This would provide a more uniform application of the zoning ordinance."

The action was prompted by the subdivision's disproportionately high number of shallow lots. Of its 317 lots, 199 have a depth of 110 feet or less. Only 58 lots exceed 120 feet, typical in most parts of the city. A city sampling of 100 lots in Michaeljohn showed that 42 already encroach on the 30-foot setback.

During a public hearing in October, many residents said they opposed larger homes in the subdivision, citing concerns about increased density and loss of open space.

But commissioners said they believe the zoning change would ensure consistency when decisions are made about who can add onto their homes.